VIRGINIA — A former teacher and church leader admitted Wednesday to repeatedly sexually abusing a child.

Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson, 44, of Embarrass, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor under the age of 14.

Denzer-Johnson worked as a math teacher at Mesabi East Schools in Aurora and Northeast Range School in Babbitt in recent years, according to public records, but he was no longer employed at either by the time charges were filed in August.

Prosecutors said he had also recently served in youth ministry and on the advisory board at an unspecified church — though the crimes were unrelated to either his work or volunteer roles.

“Today’s guilty plea ensures that Mr. Denzer-Johnson will be held accountable for the devastating harm he inflic

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